Proposal Coordinator – Aerospace, Government and Defense

Internal Title: Proposal Coordinator – Aerospace, Government and Defense

External Title: Proposal Coordinator – Aerospace, Government and Defense

Job code: 087910 - US1

Level: P5 (Expert)

Location: Washington DC

NSA: Must be a US citizen and located in the US

ABOUT WIND RIVER

Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.

Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defence, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company’s software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world.  Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We’ve achieved recent 5G milestones including the world’s first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone.

The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a “Top Workplace” for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world.

Wind River Systems, a subsidiary of Aptiv PLC, is a California-based software company which develops embedded systems and cloud software consisting of real time operating systems (RTOS), industry-specific software, simulation technology, development tools and middleware.

This new business unit will re-sell Wind River products to be used by or for the U.S. government customers. These products may be delivered through the professional services organizations of Wind River Systems (case of unclassified programs) or via the Wind River business (in the case of classified programs).

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Wind River is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the Aerospace and Defense sector, delivering high-quality, mission-critical products and services to government agencies, defense contractors, and commercial clients. We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Proposal Coordinator to join our team and support our proposal efforts in responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and other bid opportunities within the Aerospace and Defense sector.

The Proposal Coordinator will play a key role in supporting the preparation, coordination, and submission of RFIs, RFPs, and other proposal responses in the Aerospace and Defense industry. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and stakeholders in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This position requires close collaboration with various internal teams (e.g., Business Development, Contracts, Sales, Product, Legal, etc.) to ensure timely and accurate responses to client solicitations.

ABOUT YOU

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and coordination of all phases of proposal responses, including RFIs, RFPs, and other bid opportunities.
• Organize and maintain proposal schedules, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables are completed on time.
• Support proposal teams by gathering and compiling required information from internal departments (e.g., technical, finance, legal).
• Coordinate the preparation of proposal documents, including formatting, editing, and proofreading content to ensure compliance with RFP requirements.
• Work closely with the proposal manager to track the status of proposal activities and provide updates to leadership as needed.
• Ensure all proposal documentation is complete, accurate, and properly formatted for submission.
• Follow up with internal teams to ensure timely input and approvals for proposal components.
• Maintain and organize proposal archives, including proposal templates, past proposals, and reference materials.
• Support post-submission activities, including tracking proposal outcomes, debriefing, and maintaining lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of client requirements, procurement processes, and the competitive landscape in the Aerospace and Defense sectors.
• Act as a liaison between the proposal team and other stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective communication throughout the proposal process.

• Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Communications, or a related field.

Experience:

• U.S. Citizen
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in proposal coordination or support, preferably in the Aerospace and Defense sectors.
• Familiarity with the proposal process, including RFIs, RFPs, and government contracting requirements.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams to collect, organize, and format proposal materials.
• Knowledge of federal procurement regulations, such as FAR and DFARS, is a plus.
• Experience with proposal management tools (e.g., MS Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and proposal management software such as Deltek or similar tools).

Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other proposal management tools.
• Ability to work independently and proactively, managing tasks from start to finish.
• Strong problem-solving and time management skills.
• Experience with Salesforce

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of ITAR and EAR regulations, particularly related to government contracting in defense and aerospace.
• Experience with Proposal Management Software
• Prior experience working with government agencies (e.g., Department of Defense, NASA, or other federal entities).
• Familiarity with the government bidding process and compliance requirements.
• Active Security Clearance a plus

COMPENSATION                

The annual base salary range for this role’s listed grade level is $150500 to $225700 plus a bonus for Washington, DC, residents. Salary ranges are determined through interviews and a review of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities of the applicant, and equity with other team members. Employees in this role are also eligible for the following benefits in accordance with the terms of the Company's plans: health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, flex time off, eligibility to enroll in 401k, and 12 paid holidays

BENEFITS

• Named Top Workplace for the 8th year in a row
• Wind River’s commitment to DEIB
• 100% Employee covered Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance*
• Flexible Time Off policy* + 12 observed Holidays
• 401K with company match *
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) *
• Wellness Benefits through Unmind